Reducing Behavior Problems Among Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Coaching Teachers in a Mixed-Reality Setting.

Researchers coached 12 special-ed teachers inside a mixed-reality classroom simulator. The simulator projected life-size student avatars with autism who acted out common disruptions.

Each teacher got two 15-minute practice rounds. A coach gave real-time tips on praise, clear commands, and calm redirects. No real kids were present during training.

After the simulator sessions, teachers used three times more praise and cut reprimands in half. Real students in their own classrooms showed 40 % less problem behavior the next week.

Gains held for two months with no extra coaching. Teachers said the simulator felt 'almost like my actual class.'

Sorrell et al. (2025) later swapped the fancy simulator for simple VR videos plus feedback. Both studies got the same result—teachers learned fast and skills moved to real classrooms—showing the tech can be simpler and cheaper.

Rubow et al. (2018) hit the same outcome—fewer disruptions—using the Good Behavior Game instead of any coaching. Coaching works, but classroom-wide systems can work too; pick the tool that fits your time and budget.

Verriden et al. (2019) also cut severe autism behaviors, yet they added mild punishers after NCR failed. The present study shows prevention through teacher skill can reduce the need for consequence-based plans later.

You can give staff low-stakes practice before they face real meltdowns. A short simulator—or even VR videos—lets teachers rehearse calm responses until they become habit. Schedule a 15-minute sim slot during your next in-service and watch praise rates climb in live class the same day.